With convincing wins last Friday, Lovejoy and Landmark Christian sealed their return to the Final Four in their respective classifications this weekend.

The 12-1 Wildcats will host North Cobb (11-2) at Twelve Oaks Stadium this Friday since they are the higher seed. Meanwhile, the 9-3 War Eagles will visit Prince Avenue Christian (10-2) in Bogart since the Wolverines were ranked higher in the private school power rankings.

On Nov. 30, Lovejoy’s defense was dominant once again this postseason, smothering North Gwinnett 21-6 for a Class AAAAAA quarterfinal victory and an 11th consecutive win. Tyrell Brown returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown for the Wildcats, who recorded eight sacks and held the Bulldogs to 129 yards of total offense.

“When you play a great team, you do what you got to do to win,” Lovejoy football coach Al Hughes said.

“The offensive line did a better job,” Hughes said. “When you give Custis room that is what he does when he gets space.”

“I’m proud of my line,” Custis said. “They stuck with their blocks.”

The 220-pound running back gave Lovejoy the lead for good with the 3:38 left in the first quarter when he capped a 10-play, 60-yard drive with a 4-yard TD run.

After North Gwinnett reduced the margin with a field goal by halftime, the Wildcats’ defense got involved in the scoring. Late in the third quarter, Veion Robinson stripped quarterback Michael Haynes and Brown picked up the loose ball and returned it 40 yards to the end zone for a 14-3 advantage with 3:54 remaining in the frame.

Following another Bulldogs’ field goal, Custis capped the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown plunge with 2:23 to go in the fourth quarter. The drive was also highlighted by a 45-yard completion from Alejandro Bennifield to Ju’Michael Ramos, who had seven catches for 103 yards.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Lovejoy and North Cobb, which defeated Mill Creek 42-35 last week.

“Preparations are being made right now,” said Hughes after the game. “No rest for the weary.”

In Landmark’s 38-24 victory over First Presbyterian Day last Friday, Jeremiah Kirkland was the star, rushing for 226 yards and four touchdowns. Stockton McGuire threw a TD pass to Josh Nobles. This will also be the War Eagles’ first-ever matchup against Prince Avenue Christian.

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